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Archiver > Mariners > 2001-04 > 0986237126


From: Ron Mapplebeck <>
Subject: Re: [Mar] Wartime Athel Line
Date: Mon, 02 Apr 2001 19:45:26 +0100
References: <3AC8A0B8.BC0A6AC3@mcmaster.ca>


John,

Thank goodness for a common prefix naming system! According to Roger
Jordan's book THE WORLD'S MERCHANT FLEETS 1939 the Athel Line did not
have a happy war. He records the loss of 16 of their ships!

Very brief details, including positions, which might assist you to pin
down the one your want. I will have to defer to Roger himself (he is in
this list) for details of ships repaired and re-entering service.

Sunk by torpedo unless otherwise stated:
ATHELBEACH: 7.3.41; convoy OB293; 60 30N, 13 30W;
ATHELCREST: 25.8.40; convoy HX65A (I think HX means Halifax); 58 24N, 11
25W;
ATHELCROWN: 22.1.42; 45 06N 40 56W;
ATHELDUKE: 16.4.45; convoy FS1784; 55 38 50N, 01 30 30W;
ATHELEMPRESS: 29.4.42; 13 21N, 56 15W;
ATHELFOAM: 15.3.41; shelled by SCHARNHORST; 42N, 43 25W;
ATHELKING: shelled by ATLANTIS; 21 48S, 67 40E;
ATHELKNIGHT: 27.5.42; torpedoed and shelled; 27 50N, 46W;
ATHELLAIRD: 2.7.40; 47 24N 16 49W;
ATHELMONARCH: 15.6.43; 32 20N 34 39E;
ATHELPRINCESS: 23.2.43; convoy UC1; 32 02N, 24 38W;
ATHELQUEEN: 15.3.42; torpedoed and shelled; 26 50N, 75 40W;
ATHELSTANE: bombed by Japanese aircraft; 07 30N, 81 56E;
ATHELSULTAN: 22.9.42; convoy SC100; 58 24N, 33 38W;
ATHELTEMPLAR: 14.9.42; convoy PQ18; 76 10N, 18E;
ATHELVIKING: 14.1.45; convoy BX141; 44 20N, 63 24W.

In addition, lost by marine hazard:
ATHELDUCHESS: 20.8.43 ashore Southern Rocks, The Smalls, broke in two.
Afterpart salvaged and joined to new forepart in 12.47 (is this off the
Welsh coast??)

There is also mention of the ATHELCHIEF sinking the CHANCELLOR by
collision about 70 miles from Halifax on 2.12.39.

In 1939 the Athel Line owned by United Molasses Co. Ltd., had 22 ships,
so they paid a heavy price.

Hope this starts to help. From the book I can then also provide outline
details of individual ships - tonnages, when/where built, etc.

I know Roger will be sick of me saying this, but I really cannot praise
his book enough for this sort of general background information. Yes, I
know the book is £40 but well worth it!! (Now I will have to copy him in
direct in this email!!)

Ron
-----
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-----
John Cave wrote:
>
> Does anyone have information on wartime losses of Athel Line tankers My
> uncle was a Chief Engineer on Athel tankers during the war, as i
> remember his stories, he lost at least two ships, one off Halifax
> Canada, another off the Welsh coast, this ship i believe was salvaged
> and put back into service.
>
> Thanks John Cave
>
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